• Joint Manipulation / Mobilization
• Active Release Technique (A.R.T.)
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy
• Active Rehabilitation / Home Exercise
• Custom Foot Orthotics
• Kinesio Taping

Chiropractic is a healing discipline firmly grounded in science. Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy provides the best overall results for chronic spinal pain syndromes, despite the duration of pretreatment pain (5). Few other health care interventions have been assessed as extensively as chiropractic manipulation, both in terms of safety and effectiveness. There have been at least six formal government studies into chiropractic worldwide over the last 25 years and all have concluded that contemporary chiropractic care is safe, effective, cost-effective and have recommended public funding for chiropractic services. In addition, there have been countless scientific clinical studies assessing the appropriateness, effectiveness, and/or cost-effectiveness of spinal manipulation or chiropractic manipulation.

Our Chiropractor Uses The Following Hands-on Methods:

Joint Manipulation / Mobilization:

Joint manipulation (the "adjustment") involves a gentle specific movement to the involved restricted joint and involves a short, controlled thrust to restore functional pain free range of motion. These restricted joints can be thought of as being "locked up" or not moving properly. An adjustment releases joint restrictions, adding and restoring normal functional motion to the joint, while stimulating positional receptors, which in turn inhibits pain receptors that send noxious (pain) stimuli to the brain for processing (14). The adjustment also helps break up fibrous adhesions that form around joints. These would otherwise cause wear and tear, due to increased stress on the joint, and the adjustment promotes the gradual return to more favorable neurological and biomechanical function.

Spinal manipulative therapy is a very effective way of alleviating joint restrictions and compensatory soft tissue conditions, in addition to halting the progression of osteoarthritis. The choice between gentle mobilizing movements and/or dynamic impulse adjusting, will be addressed accordingly as it relates to each individual. Consult with us if you are hesitant about any spinal manipulative therapy that produces noise.

Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) / Hands-on Soft Tissue Therapy:

Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) is a movement-based massage technique utilized to effectively release any accumulation of scar tissue. It is a revolutionary proven approach used to successfully diagnose and treat cumulative trauma disorders, whether short or long standing. It has been shown that the use of A.R.T. commonly provides 50% improvement after the first to third treatment (8) helping to "actively release" the involved area.

Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) effectively breaks down the accumulation of adhesions and scar tissue that form sticky abnormal bands of tissue which grows together in an abnormal way. Adhesions develop between joints and stick or attach to muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, resulting in restricted motion and or numbness or tingling if nervous structures are obstructed.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy:

An effective method utilized to break down adhesions and scar tissue. These instruments vibrate and give off sound waves when scar is detected and treated allowing our Chiropractor to effectively locate the exact tissue involved and know the extent of injury and or the amount of improvement over time with treatment.

These instruments introduce a controlled microtrauma to the painful affected soft tissue stimulating a local inflammatory response. In turn, absorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue occurs facilitating a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repetitive strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional range of motion.

Active Rehabilitation / Home Exercise:

We will determine and test for muscular weakness or inhibition in the body and then provide directed home exercises designed to improve and establish long-term relief and overall functional ability to help patients return to normal activities of daily living and help minimize potential reoccurrence of pain.

Custom Foot Orthotics:

Custom foot orthotics are fabricated inserts worn inside shoes, to support and improve alignment and function of the feet. This provides cushioning and redistribution of force during ground contact, which most importantly helps to ease your pain and relieve stress from the tissues that hold you together.

To determine if custom orthotics are warranted, we will construct a comprehensive management plan after obtaining a thorough history and physical examination. This will include a structural and functional analysis of your gait, along with orthopedic testing to determine the support your feet are providing, and if orthotics can help. Customized professional orthotics can then be carefully constructed for your needs.

Kinesio taping:

Kinesio Tape and Kinesio Taping is nothing new, but it is certainly catching on. It was developed more than 25 years ago by Dr. Kenzo Kase. For years, the tape and the taping methods were primarily used by sports medicine doctors, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists and chiropractors. The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping has spread like wildfire and it is now used by medical practitioners and top athletes worldwide, like 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh.

Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and Pain Management.

This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name "Kinesio". Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.

The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.

In contrast, traditional sports' taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids... an UNDESIRABLE side-effect.

Kinesio Tape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include: muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (joint dysfunction, herniated discs), knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.

Solution

Chiropractors are experts trained in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Our Chiropractor will diagnose and treat your body as a whole assessing your overall biomechanics as it pertains to your complaint.

Success depends on your condition. The length of time you have had the problem, your age and the degree of your disability all affect the length of your treatment. Our chiropractic doctor will tell you the extent of treatment recommended, and how long you can expect it to last.

One of the main reasons people choose chiropractic is that they often get quick results. Individual cases vary and chronic conditions obviously need more treatment, but Workers' Compensation Board studies show that people with low back pain get back to work much faster with chiropractic care.

You might also consider the benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments even when you feel healthy. Sometimes you won't know you have a disorder of the neuromusculoskeletal system until it becomes acute and painful. So, just as you see your dentist to have your teeth checked and your optometrist for eye exams, regular visits to your chiropractor can catch related health conditions early, often preventing them from developing into major problems. Remember, your spine is every bit as susceptible to wear and tear as your teeth and your eyes.

Aquarius Chiropractic utilizes evidence-based therapy shown to be among the most effective for the relief of neck, back, and extremity pain ultimately helping restore pain free, functional spinal and extremity range of motion. Whether your pain is related to a motor vehicle accident, work related injury, sports injury, stress or other scenario; we are dedicated to assist you. Restoration of pain-free tissues in conjunction with a systematic plan is our goal -- make it yours.

Click here to meet Dr. Jonathan Gerrard our chiropractor and physical therapist.